Boating Keuka Lake

The famous Penn Yan Boat Company

Boating Keuka Lake is exhilarating, rejuvenating, and a breathtaking experience. Whether going fast or just cruising to enjoy the view, Keuka Lake is so beautiful that you won’t want to miss it from the water.

Keuka Lake also has its own little piece of famous boating history. Penn Yan, the village on the northeastern tip of the lake, is the origin of the once famous Penn Yan Boat Company. Founded by German-born Charles A. Herman in 1921, the Penn Yan Boat Company produced a large variety of wooden powerboats, canoes, sailboats, and rowboats, and eventually moved towards making fiberglass vessels in the 1960’s. 

Keuka Lake was a vacation destination even in the early 1900's.Keuka Lake was a vacation destination even in the early 1900's. This image, from an Elmira, NY, newspaper shows vacation excursion routes by boat.

The Penn Yan Boat Company was known for its Car Topper, which it introduced in the mid-1930’s. The Car Topper was marketed to be able to fit on top of 1930’s era vehicles and also light enough to be carried by 2 people. 

The Penn Yan Boat Company also patented the Tunnel Drive, which allowed higher boat speeds and hull stability by partially enclosing the propeller and shaft drive in a cavity. 

The Penn Yan Boat Company made well over 100 models and were very popular in the day, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains.

You probably won't be cruising around Keuka Lake in a boat from Penn Yan Boat Company, but there's still plenty to do from a vessel on this gorgeous lake!

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time on the water while you visit Keuka Lake.

Read on to find out about:

  • Why Keuka Lake is unique among the Finger Lakes
  • New York State boater safety courses
  • Keuka Lake cruises and tours
  • Where you can launch a motor boat on Keuka Lake
  • Where you can rent a motor boat on Keuka Lake

Chances are pretty good you'll find one or more to add to your itinerary!

The lake with the bluff

Keuka Lake is unique among the Finger Lakes because it has a bluff running down the middle half at the northern end of the lake. The town of Branchport sits at the north-western point, and the village of Penn Yan rests at the north-eastern point. 

Compared to the outer shores of the lake, the bluff has less houses on it. But overlooking the point of the bluff, facing south, stands a stately mansion. If you're in the middle of the lake, you can see this mansion, which has watched over the lake since 1838.

The Mansion at Keuka LakeOverlooking the lake, the Mansion at Keuka Lake sits grandly on the bluff. Photo credit: Ak1047, CC BY-SA 4.0

The mansion has changed names and uses a number of times over the years. Currently, it's called the Mansion at Keuka Lake and you can rent a room or catch dinner in the hotel and restaurant housed inside.

While you’re on the water, make sure you catch some photos of the Mansion on Keuka Lake, especially in the afternoon when the sun shines right on its yellow paint, brightening it up like a glowing beacon on the bluff.

Boater Safety Classes

Beginning on January 1, 2025, all operators of motorboats in New York State require a boater safety course certification. 

You can take the course in-person or online, so no matter were you live, you can get started planning for your upcoming trip to the Finger Lakes. 

Once you complete your certification, you'll get a pretty cool icon to show off on your license too!

Are there any cruises on Keuka Lake?

So, you want to head out around Keuka Lake, but would rather not rent - nor drive - a boat? No problem.

Cruisin’ Keuka

Cruisin’ Keuka offers pontoon charters around Keuka Lake. It's easy to book online and great for exploring the lake if you don’t want to rent a boat. 

Getting there

  • 📍Penn Yan, NY 14527
  • 📞 (585) 764-7672
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Finger Lake Boating Museum Cruises

Leaving Depot Park in Hammondsport daily from June through mid-October, cruise around Keuka Lake in style with the Pat II. The Pat II was restored in Hammondsport, so as you cruise, you’ll ride along on a piece of Finger Lakes history. You’ll also get to listen to the captain provide an informational tour about Finger Lakes boating history and Keuka Lake. 

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum is a not-for-profit located on Pleasant Valley Rd in Hammondpsort. If you’re interested at all in the history of boating and boats, I highly suggest you stop into the museum before or after your cruise for an excellent educational experience. The museum is open 10am-5pm daily.

Getting there

  • Tours leave daily from Depot Park
  • 📍7 Water St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Finger Lakes Boating Museum

  • 📍8231 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 569-2222
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Keuka Watersports

Go on a private 5 o'clock cruise with Keuka Watersports. Charter this 1.5 hour tour around Keuka Lake for you own personal enjoyment or a take group of up to 10 people in one of their pontoon boats. 

Additionally, Keuka Watersports offers a surf charter for you to learn to surf in the wake of the speed boat. 

Call ahead to reserve your spots.

Getting there

  • 📍7 Water St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 569-2889
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

OnKeuka! Outings

OnKeuka! Outings offers unique options for tours around Keuka Lake. You can choose from water tours, water and land tours (with stops at wineries), or land tours only. With an emphasis on OnKeuka! Outings being women-led and NYS certified, these tours are easy to book and committed to customer service. 

Getting there

  • 📍Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 742-0953
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Where can I launch my motor boat on Keuka Lake?

Each corner of Keuka Lake features a boat launch site for motorized and non-motorized boats. You’ll find wait times vary during the year and the week. Weekends in July will, of course, be more busy than, say, the middle of September. 

Be prepared to pay the fee upon entry, some locations charge by trailer, others is a day pass. But all three sites are in good condition, being maintained by the state or villages.

Keuka Lake wants visitors to come enjoy her waters!

Depot Park

Located in Hammondsport, Depot Park offers boaters a launch site from the southern tip of Keuka Lake. Operated by the Town of Urbana, this park also features restrooms, swimming, and picnic areas.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Paddling
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Facilities
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Jake’s Boat Livery

You can launch your boat from Jake’s Boat Livery in Hammondsport and leave your car there while you’re on the lake - but be sure to call ahead!

Jake’s Boat Livery also has a store for your on-the-water needs, just in case you forgot something. You can also rent a boat or kayak for the day.

Getting there

  • 📍12792 W Lake Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 868-4876
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Keuka Lake State Park

A site that has a little bit of something for everyone on Keuka Lake, Keuka Lake State Park is located near Branchport, on the northwest part of the lake. This park offers a boat ramp, and dockage for loading and unloading.

Additionally, Keuka Lake State Park has hiking trails, camping and RV sites, swimming areas, facilities, playgrounds, and fishing access.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Snowshoeing
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

Getting there

  • 📍3560 Pepper Rd, Keuka Park, NY 14478
  • 📞 (315) 536-3666
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • State park: 621 acres
  • Boat launch
  • 8 hiking trails
  • Shoreline
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Pavilions
  • Picnic areas
  • Max 2 dogs allowed on leash
  • Entry fee

Penn Yan Village Boat Launch

The Penn Yan Village Boat Launch will put you into the water on the Keuka Outlet. From there, you’ll veer to your right and head out to the open water. 

This is a shared recreation area, with bathrooms, playgrounds, a skate park, and a section of the Keuka Outlet Trail. You’ll find it has a large lot for parking your trailer, but on busy weekends, it can fill up quickly, so go early.

Please note: It's extremely dangerous to swim in an outlet or inlet due to strong undercurrents where the stream and lake waters meet. Do not attempt to swim in the Keuka Outlet. 

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Paddling
  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

  • 📍 290-298 Water St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
  • 📞  (315) 536-3015
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Hard-surface boat launch
  • Dock for temporary portage
  • Playgrounds
  • Portion of Keuka Outlet Trail
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Entry fee

Where can I rent a motor boat on Keuka Lake?

Didn't bring your own boat? No problem! We've got you covered...

Keuka Lake in the summerYou won't want to miss the clean and clear waters by boating Keuka Lake!

Bar Bay Boat Rentals at North End Marina

Located in Branchport, you can rent a speed boat for tubing or skiing, or pontoon boat (what we locals call a party boat) with Bar Bay Boat Rentals. 

Getting there

  • 📍454 W Lake Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
  • 📞 (315) 595-2853
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

East Bluff Harbor 

Located right on the bluff of Keuka Lake, you can rent a pontoon or fishing boat from East Bluff Harbor. Additionally, kayaks are available for rent. 

And if you like dogs, there’s always one waiting at the shop to greet visitors. 

Getting there

  • 📍6508 E Bluff Dr, Penn Yan, NY 14527
  • 📞 (315) 536-8236
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Harbor Lights Marina

Located across from the point of the bluff on the western side of the lake, you can rent a pontoon boat at Harbor Lights Marina and also shop the interesting variety of items in their store.

Getting there

  • 📍13760 W Lake Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 868-4848
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Jake’s Boat Livery

Rent a speed or pontoon boat from Jake’s Boat Livery in Hammondsport for a fun day on the beautiful waters of Keuka Lake. Some rentals allow dogs under 50lbs, so if your pooch is traveling with you, take them out on the water too!

Jake's also has a store for your on-the-water needs, just in case you forgot something.

Getting there

  • 📍12792 W Lake Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 868-4876
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Keuka Boat Rentals 

Located in Hammondsport, you can choose between a variety of pontoon boats to rent at Keuka Boat Rentals.

Getting there

  • 📍8290 Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 377-2679
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Keuka Watersports

Located at the southern tip of the lake in Hammondsport, Keuka Watersports has a small selection of water craft to choose from - but one is a double-decker pontoon boat with a slide! Take this boat out to a calm spot, cut the engine, and have some fun in the water!

Additionally, Keuka Watersports offers a surf charter for you to learn to surf in the wake of the speed boat. 

You can also rent jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards at Keuka Watersports, or go on a 5 o’clock cruise. 

With multiple locations on Keuka Lake, I suggest you check out their website to figure out where you need to go.

Getting there

  • 📍7 Water St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • 📞 (607) 569-2889
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Morgan Marina

If you’re looking to rent a pontoon boat for 3 days to a week, look no further. A full-service marina, they also offer a yearly Try It Buy It event, just in case you were thinking about purchasing a boat.

Getting there

  • 📍2 NY-54, Penn Yan, NY 14527
  • 📞 (315) 536-8166
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Keuka Lake is too spectacular to miss by boat!

Which boating option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary? 

Share this!

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